Aurélia Maruéjol

13/11/2025

At Ugigrip-Vallgrip, quality is not just a requirement, it’s a core value that guides everything we do.
Our ISO 9001 certification demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards – not only for our finished products, but also throughout our manufacturing processes and working methods.

A structured and sustainable approach

Every year, an external audit is carried out to reassess our system’s compliance and renew our certification.

This annual evaluation is part of a three-year renewal cycle that ensures the continuity, rigor, and transparency of our quality management approach.

But beyond the audit itself, ISO 9001 is something we apply and live by every single day.

Continuous improvement

Ensuring continuous quality

Quality control starts on the ground.

Through established and well-mastered inspection procedures, our teams continuously verify the conformity of every production batch.

Some of our machines are equipped with vision inspection cameras and SPC (Statistical Process Control) systems, allowing us to monitor performance in real time.

These practices ensure full traceability and consistent reliability of the final product.

Standardizing processes and maintaining document compliance

ISO 9001 also relies on clear, documented procedures.
Every workstation has up-to-date instructions, every operator is trained, and each stage of the process is monitored using performance indicators.

Our system is built on strict document management: every procedure, work instruction, and form is identified, version-controlled, and regularly updated.

We use shared digital tools to make sure all employees have access to the latest versions of every document.

This discipline ensures consistency in our practices and reliability in our quality management system.

Engaging our teams in quality

At Ugigrip-Vallgrip, quality is a team effort, every employee plays an active role in the process.

Regular meetings allow us to discuss objectives, achievements, and areas for improvement.

We also encourage suggestions for progress and recognize both individual and collective initiatives.

In fact, our 2025 company seminar focused entirely on the theme of continuous improvement at Ugigrip-Vallgrip.

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Aurélia Maruéjol

14/10/2025

Cold-forging and rolling are key manufacturing processes at Ugigrip-Vallgrip, enabling the production of a wide variety of metal components: screws, rivets, studs, spacers, nails and many more. These techniques offer numerous benefits in terms of performance, durability and environmental impact. Discover why they stand out as reliable solutions for your industrial needs.

A controlled production rate

Cold-forging and rolling are particularly well suited to medium and high-volume production runs, thanks to high output rates (around 200 parts per minute, depending on product complexity).

At Ugigrip-Vallgrip, quality is never left to chance: our inspection process begins at the design stage, ensuring compliant, high-performance and durable components.

This high standard requires carefully controlled and optimised set-up and adjustment times, enabling us to deliver reliable products within the shortest possible lead times.

Attention to detail in service of the planet

Strong and reliable components

One of the main advantages of cold-forging and rolling lies in the increased strength of the parts produced. These processes preserve the natural grain flow of the metal and do not create fracture initiation points, unlike other techniques such as machining. This structural continuity enhances the mechanical strength of the components, ensuring long-term reliability and durability.

At Ugigrip-Vallgrip, even the holes in drilled rivets or tyre studs are produced by cold heading rather than drilling, thereby maintaining the integrity of the material.

Each project undergoes a feasibility study prior to launch, ensuring that processes are perfectly tailored to the technical and functional requirements.

Environmentally responsible processes

Cold-forging and rolling are distinguished by their environmentally responsible approach. Unlike other methods such as machining, they generate little to no material waste. The part is formed by deforming a section of metal wire, without producing swarf.

There are a few exceptions, such as the manufacture of nails, whose tips are formed by rolling. In such cases, excess material is collected and recovered by specialised partners who remelt it to produce new metal.

Nothing is lost: everything is recycled.

To find out more about our expertise, explore our detailed articles on cold heading and rolling processes.

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Aurélia Maruéjol

15/09/2025

Assembly: the final step towards the finished stud

After the cold-forging stage — and rolling, where required — comes assembling: a key step that transforms the body into a finished stud ready for delivery to the customer.

This process involves inserting the tungsten carbide pin into the body previously produced using our two metal wire forming techniques. Assembling therefore joins the two components of the stud — the pin and the body — by means of shrink fitting.

Precision work

A precise operation tailored to each stud design

Each stud model requires specific tooling, defined according to its shape, size and the customer’s technical requirements. We therefore adapt our assembly lines to ensure perfect positioning of the components, using for example:

Vibratory bowls to correctly orient the parts;
Feed tubes to guide the pins and casings;
Presses to carry out the assembly operation, ensuring a strong and durable bond.

Essential expertise

As with the previous stages, precision and rigour are paramount. We carry out inspections at every stage of production, following dedicated procedures and using tools adapted to each type of component.

To guarantee consistent quality, each machine is equipped with monitoring systems, including control cameras and SPC (Statistical Process Control) devices, enabling the automatic detection of any deviation or non-conformity.

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Aurélia Maruéjol

11/08/2025

In certain French regions during the winter months it is obligatory for vehicles to be properly equipped.
Many people are however unaware that among the various equipments available for vehicles, studded tyres are an option.

Lets have a closer look at the law for more details.

French law on winter tyres

During winter, some French roads require the use of specific winter equipment such as winter chains, winter socks or studded tyres: these roads are sign-posted as « B26 ».

Even in regions where there is no legal obligation for vehicles to be equipped with winter tyres they can highly be recommended, particularly in regions where temperatures drop below 7°C.

Winter tyres offer better adherence and better resistance on wet, frosted and snowed-on roads.

All about the stud

Yes, studded tyres are allowed in France

Studded tyres are permitted between November 1st and March 31st the following year.

Studs offer better adherence on slippery roads with snow and ice. They are highly recommended in regions that experience extreme winter weather.

Ugigrip-Vallgrip offers a wide range of studs for any type of vehicles: check out our catalogue and our custom-made products to find out more.

What are the conditions laid out by law regarding studded tyres?

Before you equip your vehicles with studded tyres, here are a few things to know :

The speed limit is 90km/h for vehicles whose loaded weight is under 3.5 tons
The speed limit is 60 km/h for public transport vehicles and for certain types of vehicles that are exempt such as emergency vehicles, intervention vehicles, vehicles transporting essential needs, rare goods or dangerous goods, and vehicles ensuring winter safety
The obligation to place a sticker indicating the usage of studded tyres on the rear left side of the vehicle
Shapes and dimensions of studs are also specified but can be different in other countries: please make sure to check the law before travelling.

To learn more…

Ugigrip-Vallgrip collaborates with tyre manufacturers and distributors to adapt ranges of classic studs and custom-made studs, based on the laws for each country.

You can read the specific law decree here for more details (in French): « Arrêté du 18 juillet 1985 relatif aux dispositifs antidérapants équipant les pneumatiques modifié le 10 juin 2021 ».

Once again: please make sure to check the legislation for the country you wish to travel to in winter.

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Aurélia Maruéjol

21/07/2025

At Ugigrip-Vallgrip, technical innovation drives every project. Today, we sat down with Rémi, tooling design engineer in our R&D office, to get a behind-the-scenes look at his role.

Can you describe your job?

« My job is to turn a client’s idea into a real, workable product. I design the tools needed for production and act as a bridge between the sales and manufacturing teams.

My role is to make sure the solution is technically feasible, cost-effective, and aligned with the client’s expectations. I’m constantly balancing industrial constraints with commercial requirements.»

Tailor-made engineering

What do you enjoy most about it?

« The exploration. Every new product is a chance to create something different and think outside the box. I love that phase of reflection and innovation.

And there’s also the human side: working with support teams, sharing ideas, guiding, helping… Solving complex problems and finding robust, lasting solutions is really rewarding. »

Your biggest daily challenges?

« Time, no question. Deadlines are often tight, but it’s important to take the time to fully understand everyone’s constraints.

And getting people from very different fields to understand each other—that’s a real challenge in communication and adaptability. »

What key skills are needed?

« A solid foundation in engineering, of course, but also curiosity, patience, and strong teamwork.

You need to be open to feedback, share both successes and mistakes, and lean on the right people. »

Any final thoughts?

« Simplicity. I discovered this job by doing it. It’s not something you learn in school, but it’s essential.

I’d love to share it more—with others, to grow together and find solutions that are even simpler, faster, and more efficient.»

Thank you, Rémi, for this inspiring interview!

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Aurélia Maruéjol

02/06/2025

People at the heart of our company

Have you ever started a new job and felt completely out of your depth? Unsure of who does what, how your role fits in, or even who your manager is?

At Ugigrip-Vallgrip, we believe every newcomer deserves a smooth and memorable onboarding experience. Whether you’re joining us on a permanent contract, as a temp, an intern or an apprentice, you’re a unique individual stepping into our world. Your interpersonal skills are just as important as your experience — they’re what help you thrive in a team shaped by shared values. So, how do we help you feel at ease from day one?

Let’s walk you through the onboarding journey we’ve designed just for you.

A tailor-made journey

A thoughtfully crafted onboarding process

Your integration actually starts before your first day! During the interview process, we include fun activities to help you learn more about your future colleagues—and yourself.

One week before you officially join, you’ll receive a survey via Klaxoon, a collaborative platform we use, so you can start settling in and share a bit more about who you are and what motivates you.

On your first day, get ready for some surprises: a welcome breakfast, a scavenger hunt to discover your godfather or godmother, a deep dive into our different departments, and more.

Your first week will be a mix of learning about our jobs and easing into your role, all with the support of your manager and team.

To wrap up the week, our HR and communications teams will sit down with you for a one-on-one chat to hear your feedback and make sure everything’s going smoothly.

And onboarding doesn’t end there—check-ins are scheduled throughout your trial period to make sure you’re feeling confident and supported.

Bringing your unique strengths to the team

At Ugigrip-Vallgrip, we believe every new team member brings something valuable to the table, and we want you to feel right at home from the start.

To help you thrive from day one, we focus on:

Creating a strong sense of belonging so you feel comfortable joining the team
Building cohesion to foster smooth, day-to-day collaboration
Encouraging open communication and feedback as part of our culture of continuous improvement

Because each person is unique, and every individual contribution strengthens our collective success.

One step closer to success

A happy employee is a motivated, positive, and high-performing one.

Onboarding isn’t just a formality—it’s a crucial first step toward professional and personal success.

So go for it: invest in your people from the very first minute.

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Aurélia Maruéjol

19/05/2025

Let’s aim for engagement!

Tired of endless meetings that go nowhere? Unprepared, one-way sessions where only a few speak up? You’re not alone! “Meeting overload” is a common affliction.

But imagine meetings where everyone has a voice, where participation and engagement are the norm. It is possible!

Here’s how we transformed our meetings into dynamic, efficient, and inspiring moments.

Together, we go further

A successful bet

As part of our broader restructuring journey, we realized that rethinking our meetings was essential. How could we foster more engagement, participation, and energy?

We explored various training programs in management and personal development to breathe new life into our meeting culture.

With innovative tools and facilitation methods, we’ve successfully turned our work sessions around. Ready to learn some of our secrets?

Speaking up and active listening

So what methods do we use? Here are a few of our favorite techniques:

T.O.P (Topic >> Objective >> Process): To frame the meeting properly, we start by clearly stating the topic, the goal, and the process. For example:

Topic: Launch of the “Working Better Together” project
Objective: « Understand the concept of working better together and put it into action »
Process: Inclusion → Defining ground rules → Sharing views and brainstorming → Identifying risks → Next steps → Wrap-up

Ground rules: Defined collectively, they boost commitment. Examples: punctuality, active listening, non-judgment, confidentiality, setting time limits, etc.

Inclusion: A question or card game to get everyone to speak up and open up. For instance: “How are you feeling today?” or “What does this project mean for our company, in your view?”

Sharing perceptions: Everyone explains what a word or concept means to them—this fosters mutual understanding and builds consensus.

Wrap-up: End the meeting by inviting each participant to share their thoughts or feelings. Examples : a “ROTI (Return on Time Invested)” score from 1 to 5, or asking, “How do you feel as we wrap up this meeting?”

A host of benefits

What have we gained from this?

Structured meetings: Sessions that are clear, focused, and productive
More openness: Inclusion and wrap-ups have become second nature
Increased participation: Everyone has a chance to speak, encouraging open dialogue
Autonomy: Team members are now empowered to organize their own meetings
Meeting evolution: More creative and participatory sessions, fewer top-down ones

By embracing these methods, we’ve not only improved the quality of our meetings but also strengthened our team’s cohesion and engagement.

What about you? Ready to transform your meetings? Share your experiences and draw inspiration from our secrets to host more dynamic and productive sessions!

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Aurélia Maruéjol

11/04/2025

Collective intelligence at the heart of our company

Each day, we strive to embody our values—values shaped by our collective strength—to drive our company toward its ambitions and long-term success.

These values are far more than just words; they are the shared compass that guides each of our choices and all of our actions.

Let’s take care of ourselves

Our CAARE Values: The Foundation of Our Collective

At our company, every team member is an ambassador of our values. Together, we form a united team, where every decision aligns with our shared vision.

This is how we fulfill our collective mission and how each person finds meaning in their work, contributing their unique piece to the bigger picture.

Our values in detail

Cohésion (cohesion, teamspirit): For us, cohesion is an essential pillar/foundation for building a committed, strong and efficient team. In order to reach our common and individual objectives, we set management tools and methods to ensure coherent and efficient work.

Agilité (agility, flexibility): For us, agility helps us to deal with future challenges in order to develop resilience. Thanks to our collective strength and to our management adaptability, we are able to propose trustworthy and relevant solutions.

Apprenance (improvement by learning through experience): For us, we learn how to use our experience as a transformation foundation. Everyone has key competences that can evolve in order to better take part in our global development and strive for excellence.

Respect (respect): For us, respect materializes through trust-based relationships and transparency with our environment, within and outside of our company. We make sure to maintain our commitments towards our collaborators, our clients, our partners and our planet.

Epanouissement (fulfillment, wellbeing): For us, wellbeing is a key point for each one of collaborators as we keep growing together in an environment that allows personal and professional development. We make sure to provide the necessary means for individual wellbeing and valorisation.

What Was the Process to Get There?

During the restructuring of our company, we aimed to spark new momentum within our teams—already highly committed thanks to the participatory management approach implemented over the past few years.

With collective intelligence at the heart of our meetings, it was during a creative seminar that the themes of our values first emerged.

The Management Committee then summarized all the ideas for collective approval during a staff meeting.

As the saying goes, “Alone we go faster, together we go further.”

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Aurélia Maruéjol

27/02/2025

Dévalez les pistes enneigées à vélo grâce à Ugigrip-Vallgrip !

Have you always dreamed of beating your snowy descent record alongside Eric Barone at the French Snow Bike Championships?

Or maybe you just want to explore this thrilling sport without competing?

Avec les crampons Ugigrip-Vallgrip, tout est possible !

Crédit photos : Richard Bord

Ugigrip-Vallgrip
vous accompagne

A video tutorial for optimal grip

Learn to stud your bike tires independently with our video tutorial (at the bottom of the page)

In just a few minutes and with the right tools, you’ll be ready to tackle snowy slopes safely.

Pourquoi choisir les crampons Ugigrip-Vallgrip ?

Maximum grip: Designed to provide the best traction on snow and ice
Easy installation: Follow our step-by-step guide for a quick and efficient setup
Enhanced performance: Improve your downhill performance and fully enjoy your winter outdoor activities

Order your studs here

Download our specification sheet

Pour plus de détails sur les crampons Ugigrip-Vallgrip, consultez notre fiche technique complète.

You’ll find all the information you need to choose the studs best suited for your needs here.

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Aurélia Maruéjol

23/12/2024

Ugigrip-Vallgrip manufactures the insert for G-Tech’s walking pole tips

At the foot of the Vercors mountain range, G-Tech Guidetti designs and manufactures high-quality, innovative and sustainable outdoor products.

Specialising in poles (for hiking, Nordic walking and trail running), the G-Tech engineering team required a new insert for the tips of their poles.

Our fast and seamless collaboration, through just a few discussions with our engineering department, enabled us to propose the right solution — focusing on the client’s needs while providing tailored technical advice.

Interview with Maëlys Garcia

Development Engineer

How did Ugigrip-Vallgrip manage to address your product challenge?

We actually had two challenges. The first was relocation, as we wanted to work with a supplier based in France rather than in Asia.

The second concerned the durability of our component. We wanted it to be long-lasting while also reducing non-conformities.

Ugigrip-Vallgrip was therefore the selected supplier and successfully met our requirements.

What added value did Ugigrip-Vallgrip bring to your project?

Your knowledge of inserts, along with your expertise in tyres and grip, was a real added value. You were able to advise us on how the component functions, making it better suited to our needs, with subtle design features we would not have considered ourselves.

We carried out laboratory tests which showed that our new insert is more reliable and twice as high-performing (Rockwell hardness test (HR)).

How did you come to work with Ugigrip-Vallgrip?

It was through Olivier Reboulet from EVVO that we got in touch with Vallgrip. Having products made in France and designed for durability is exactly what we were looking for — the relationship did the rest.

Overall, working with Ugigrip-Vallgrip is, for us, a guarantee of quality and durability for our inserts.

Aurélia Maruéjol

A structured and sustainable approach

Ensuring continuous quality

Standardizing processes and maintaining document compliance

Engaging our teams in quality

Aurélia Maruéjol

A controlled production rate

Strong and reliable components

Environmentally responsible processes

Aurélia Maruéjol

Assembly: the final step towards the finished stud

A precise operation tailored to each stud design

Essential expertise

Aurélia Maruéjol

French law on winter tyres

Yes, studded tyres are allowed in France

What are the conditions laid out by law regarding studded tyres?

To learn more…

Aurélia Maruéjol

Can you describe your job?

What do you enjoy most about it?

Your biggest daily challenges?

What key skills are needed?

Any final thoughts?

Thank you, Rémi, for this inspiring interview!

Aurélia Maruéjol

People at the heart of our company

A thoughtfully crafted onboarding process

Bringing your unique strengths to the team

One step closer to success

Aurélia Maruéjol

Let’s aim for engagement!

A successful bet

Speaking up and active listening

A host of benefits

Aurélia Maruéjol

Collective intelligence at the heart of our company

Our CAARE Values: The Foundation of Our Collective

Our values in detail

What Was the Process to Get There?

Aurélia Maruéjol

Dévalez les pistes enneigées à vélo grâce à Ugigrip-Vallgrip !

A video tutorial for optimal grip

Pourquoi choisir les crampons Ugigrip-Vallgrip ?

Download our specification sheet

Aurélia Maruéjol

Ugigrip-Vallgrip manufactures the insert for G-Tech’s walking pole tips

How did Ugigrip-Vallgrip manage to address your product challenge?

What added value did Ugigrip-Vallgrip bring to your project?

How did you come to work with Ugigrip-Vallgrip?

Portes ouvertes à l'occasion de la semaine de l'industrie